Silver-tongued peacemakers know there’s a tactful way of saying anything, but that doesn’t mean it’s always well received.

The substance of what one says — especially when it comes to bad news, hard truths, or other uncomfortable situations — is unavoidable, which is why so many people try to be diplomatic. There’s no reason to hurt anyone’s feelings most of the time, hence go-to lines like “it’s not you, it’s me” when ending a relationship. Some people don’t take kindly to this sort of thing, however, preferring straight talk over carefully worded evasions.